I am working on a project that requires an accurate, durable pedometer. It needs to be as accurate as possible. And it needs to send data live (as live as possible) (Planning to create an android app that analyzes the data then sends it up to the internets) I have already tried a few sensors: a force sensitive resistor ( https://www.sparkfun.com/products/9376 ), piezo disc, and simple on/off button all attached to the bottom of my shoes. The force resistor and piezo just weren't accurate. I think the rubbing of my foot, or the rolling of my foot makes it spit out weird data. The on/off switch buttons worked pretty well, but I plan to be doing a lot of walking so I don't know how long these would really last/their durability.

I know some people like to use the cheap pedometers at dollar stores but those just have not been accurate at all for me. I was just using the actual device with no connection to arduino and it was not accurate at all. I have also seen people suggest accelerometers but this seems complicated and I question if for the amount of work it would take to figure out if it would really be worth it or any more accurate than using a simpler sensor.

I will most likely be tracking my own steps most of the time, but in some cases it might be someone else wearing the sensor.

Let me know if you need any more clarification! Thanks!

*EDIT: I just need it to sense each step. Not the amount of force or anything like that.

cyberstream

I'm new to Arduino, but couldn't you build a very accurate one with a GPS module? http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-UART-Serial-GPS-Module-For-Arduino-uController-w-Breakout-Board-Pins-/330725788211?pt=GPS_Devices&hash=item4d00cb0a33

If you are going to use an Android App then just use the Phone, no Arduino needed! It has GPS and Accelerometers so you can get actual distance and number of steps quite accurately and there are already several App out there that do this. I have compared a few and they show fairly close results

Also, sorry, I should have mentioned this... I can't just use an existing app because I want the data to then be sent to a motor that will trigger a kick drum pedal. So those apps can send data, but then I don't think you can access it or hack it to send it somewhere else....correct me if I'm wrong.... Perhaps it is possible to create an app that has gps capabilities and then will send the data to where I need it....

This is the cheapest pressure switch you will find wire it like a normal switch to the arduino

And it would last about a minute...

Accelerometer is definitely a very capable option, all the tricky stuff is in software andthe sensors are incredibly cheap these days. You could strap a smartphone to your leg and use an app to do this!

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